One final push for the play-offs

Batteries recharged, Rochdale will be looking to mount one last glorious push for a play-off place over the final four games of the season, starting with today’s visit of Carlisle and an Easter Monday clash at Charlton. Keith Hill and his team have enjoyed a few days off this week as management staff and players refuel for the grand finale of what has been a thrilling League One campaign.

Batteries recharged, Rochdale will be looking to mount one last glorious push for a play-off place over the final four games of the season, starting with today’s visit of Carlisle and an Easter Monday clash at Charlton.

Keith Hill and his team have enjoyed a few days off this week as management staff and players refuel for the grand finale of what has been a thrilling League One campaign.

A positive result this afternoon would represent the club’s most successful season in their 104-year history and keep up the pressure on sixth-placed Bournemouth.

"This could well be the most successful season the club has ever had in its history and I don’t think enough has been made of that, nor the period of success we’ve been through over the last four years," said Hill.

"But if it does work out and we finish sixth, seventh or eighth with more points than we have on the board now, it’s the best season this club has ever had. The players are due some recognition for that.

"They needed a break and so did myself, David Flitcroft and the rest of the team behind the team. It’s been mentally challenging but also one of the best we’ve had in terms of developing our knowledge and tactical awareness.

"We have a small squad of players and we’ve managed to rinse every ounce of effort out of them and when you consider where some of the lads have come from and what we achieved it’s been superb.

"But we have four games to go and we could make it an even more successful season, so the work doesn’t stop.

He said: "They are competitive but also a good footballing side; they are playing with barely any pressure, so they represent a stern challenge.

On Easter Monday, it’s a trip to the Valley, where Dale will start as favourites, much to Hill’s bemusement.

"It’s funny the expectation will be on us to maintain our play off push against a club who, a few years ago, were in the Premier League. It’s become unrealistic but we’ve learned to accept the challenges."